Hockey stick with improved blade construction

ABSTRACT

An improved hockey stick blade is provided. The hockey stick blade generally includes a forward face defining a substantially zero degree face angle and a lower terminating edge that increases friction and allows a player to generate more bending in the shaft during shooting and passing motions. The lower terminating edge extends along substantially the entire length of the hockey stick blade, and is defined by an angle when viewed in cross-section. The forward face includes an upper terminating edge in vertical alignment with the lower terminating edge, such that the forward face is generally parallel to the playing surface. The upper terminating edge also extends along substantially the entire length of the hockey stick blade, and is also defined by an angle when viewed in cross-section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hockey stick, and in particular, a hockey stick having an improved blade construction.

Existing hockey sticks include an elongated shaft and a blade. The blade generally includes a rounded periphery that joins a forward face to a rearward face. The rounded periphery extends along the length of the hockey stick blade, and often times includes a radius that is greater at the bottom of the blade than at the top of the blade. Other blades have radii that are equal on the top and bottom. In addition, hockey stick blades typically are molded with a curvature in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the heel to toe direction. As a result, the forward face is generally longitudinally concave while the rearward face is generally longitudinally convex.

A conventional hockey stick blade according to the above construction is shown in FIGS. 1-2 and generally designated 100. The conventional hockey stick blade 100 includes a forward face 102, a rearward face 104, and a rounded outer periphery 106. The forward face 102 includes a non-zero face angle, that is, an open striking surface that is sloped at an angle Φ, which is 1.0 degree-1.5 degrees, in the backhand direction. The blade 100 is symmetrical when viewed in cross-section, having a rearward face 104 with a non-zero face angle as well. The rounded periphery 106 joins the forward face 102 to the rearward face 104, and includes a first radius that is greater at the bottom of the blade 100 than a second radius at the top of the blade 100.

Certain shooting motions involve the impact of the hockey stick blade with the playing surface. For example, a slap shot typically begins with the bottom of the blade 100 impacting the ice just behind a puck. Energy from this impact is transferred to the shaft 108, which bends rearwardly until the blade 100 is carried forward to the puck. The shaft 108 releases the stored energy as the blade 100 impacts the puck, propelling the puck with a higher velocity than simply hitting the puck cleanly.

An effective slap shot can depend on the player's ability to “load” the shaft just prior to the blade impacting the puck. A stick with a reduced stiffness (e.g., a reduced flex number) can assist players, particularly junior players, in loading the shaft during a slap shot. However, even with sticks having a reduced flex number (requiring less force per unit of deflection), the smooth contour of the blade's rounded periphery can inhibit the blade's ability to catch the ice just behind the puck. That is, the blade's rounded periphery can promote skipping of the blade toward the puck during a slap shot attempt, potentially resulting in a much slower shot than desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hockey stick having an improved hockey stick blade is provided. The hockey stick blade generally includes a forward face defining a substantially zero-degree face angle and/or a lower terminating edge that increases friction and allows a player to generate more bending in the shaft during shooting and passing motions.

In one embodiment, the hockey stick blade includes a forward face and a rearward face opposite the forward face. The forward face includes a lower terminating edge that delimits at least a portion of the lower extent of the forward face. The lower terminating edge extends along substantially the entire length of the hockey stick blade, and is defined by an angle, optionally an acute angle, when viewed in cross-section.

In another embodiment, the hockey stick blade includes an upper terminating edge in vertical alignment with the lower terminating edge, such that the forward face defines a substantially zero-degree face angle (e.g., generally perpendicular to the playing surface) when placed adjacent the playing surface. The upper terminating edge extends along substantially the entire length of the hockey stick blade, and also is defined by an angle, optionally an acute angle, when viewed in cross-section.

In still another embodiment, the rearward face includes a rounded lower portion that intersects the lower terminating edge, and further includes a rounded upper portion that intersects the upper terminating edge. The rearward face additionally includes an intermediate portion extending between the upper and lower rounded portions. The intermediate portion is angled relative to the forward face such that the hockey stick blade defines a cross-sectional width that is greater near the lower rounded portion than it is near the upper rounded portion.

In even another embodiment, the hockey stick blade is joined to a shaft defining a central shaft axis. The forward face of the hockey stick blade defines a vertical face angle that is parallel to a vertical component of the central shaft axis. The forward face is longitudinally convex, and the rearward face is longitudinally concave. The height of the hockey stick blade is defined between the upper terminating edge and the lower terminating edge, such that the upper terminating edge defines the uppermost portion of the hockey stick blade and the lower terminating edge defines the lowermost portion of the hockey stick blade.

The embodiments described herein provide a hockey stick blade having an improved performance in shooting and passing over conventional hockey stick blades. The improved hockey stick blade can include a front plane that extends at substantially a right angle relative to the playing surface, with a lower front edge that “bites” into the playing surface to increase friction and allow increased bending in the shaft. The hockey stick blade can be implemented with a range of hockey sticks, including hockey stick shafts having high or low flex numbers, and including one piece hockey sticks and hockey sticks having a removable hockey stick blade.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiments and the drawings.

Before embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art hockey stick blade illustrating a non-zero face angle;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art hockey stick blade of FIG. 1 taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hockey stick including a hockey stick blade in accordance with a current embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hockey stick blade of a current embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hockey stick blade of FIG. 4 taken along lines 5-5 in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a hockey stick blade of a current embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

The current embodiments relate to a hockey stick having an improved blade construction. As set forth more fully below, the blade construction can provide improved performance for shooting and passing motions, including slap shots for example. Embodiments can be used in connection with ice hockey sticks, in-line hockey sticks, one-piece and two-piece hockey sticks, goalie hockey sticks, and hockey sticks whose size and dimensions vary from that of the hockey sticks described below.

A hockey stick blade in accordance with one embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 and generally designated 10. The blade 10 forms part of a hockey stick 12 having an elongated shaft 14. The shaft 14 includes an upper end portion 16 distal from a lower end portion 18, the lower end portion being joined to the blade 10. The shaft 14 defines a central shaft axis 20 extending longitudinally through the geometric center of the shaft 14. The shaft 14 is adapted to flex laterally nearer to the lower end portion 18 than to the upper end portion 16, for example in the hosel region 22 of the shaft 14. The hosel region 22 of the shaft 14 can include a gradual downward taper that transitions smoothly into the blade 10. For example, the downward taper can include the construction set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0234472 to Garcia et al, entitled “Hockey Stick and Related Method of Manufacture,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the hockey stick blade 10 is integrally formed with or fused to the hockey stick shaft, forming a one-piece construction. In other embodiments, however, the hockey stick blade 10 is separable from the hockey stick shaft 14, for example a replacement blade for a composite hockey stick shaft 14.

The hockey stick blade 10 is joined to the hockey stick shaft 14 and extends outwardly from the shaft 14 at an angle relative to the central shaft axis 20. For example, the blade 10 can include a blade lie of between about 125 degrees and about 140 degrees inclusive, further optionally between about 129 degrees and about 138 degrees inclusive, and still further optionally between about 131 degrees and 135 degrees inclusive. The blade 10 includes a forward (forehand) face 24 opposite a rearward (backhand) face 26. As generally shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the forward face 24 is longitudinally concave, and the rearward face 26 (FIG. 3) is longitudinally convex. That is, the forward face 24 includes a slight concave curvature from the heel 28 of the blade 10 to the toe 30 of the blade 10, while the rearward face 26 includes a slight convex curvature from the heel 28 of the blade 10 to the toe 30 of the blade 10. As used herein, the heel 28 includes the lowermost region of the blade 10 adjacent a hosel 22, including at least a portion of the upwardly curved transition to the hosel 22.

As noted above, the hockey stick blade 10 includes a construction adapted to engage the playing surface with increased friction over conventional blades to allow increased bending in the shaft 14. In particular, the hockey stick blade 10 includes a forward face 24 including a lower terminating edge 32 that delimits at least a portion of the lower extent of the forward face 24. Optionally, the lower extent of the forward face terminates at the lower terminating edge. As discussed more fully below, the lower terminating edge 32 is shaped with an angle α, for example an acute angle, rather than the rounded surface present in existing blade constructions. Of course, although the lower terminating edge includes an acute angle between the front face and the surface of the lower rounded portion, those surfaces, that is, the front face and surface of the lower rounded portion can transition to one another about the acute corner along a minimal radius R as shown in FIG. 5. There, the minimal radius R can optionally be about 1/128 inch to about 1/16 inch, further optionally, about 1/64 inch to about 3/64 inch and even further optionally about 1/32 inch.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lower terminating edge 32, and in particular the lower acute corner associated with that lower terminating edge, extends substantially along the entire length of the hockey stick blade 10 in the present embodiment, including the heel portion 28 and the toe portion 30. In other embodiments, the lower terminating edge 32 and associated acute corner extends along less than the entire length of the hockey stick blade 10, however. For example, the lower terminating edge 32 can extend from: the heel 28 to at least about one-third of the length of the hockey stick blade 10; the heel 28 to at least about one-half of the length of the hockey stick blade 10; or the heel 28 to at least about two-thirds of the length of the hockey stick blade 10. Also by example, the lower terminating edge 32 and acute corner can extend from: the toe 30 to at least about one-third of the length of the hockey stick blade 10 toward the heel 28; the toe 30 to at least about one-half of the length of the hockey stick blade 10 toward the heel 28; or the toe 30 to at least about two-thirds of the length of the hockey stick blade 10 toward the heel 28. Further optionally, the lower terminating edge and acute corner can be intermittently disposed along the lower portion of the blade. For example, the lower terminating edge and acute corner can extend a first distance, terminate, then resume further toward the toe for a second distance.

Similarly, the hockey stick blade 10 can include an upper terminating edge 34. The upper terminating edge 34 delimits at least a portion of the upper extent of the forward face 24. The upper terminating edge 34 is shaped with an angle R, for example an acute angle, rather than the rounded surface present in many existing blade constructions. The upper terminating edge 34 extends substantially along the entire length of the hockey stick blade 10 in the present embodiment, optionally parallel to the lower terminating edge 32. In other embodiments, the upper terminating edge 34 can extend along less than the entire length of the hockey stick blade 10.

Together, the lower terminating edge 32 and the upper terminating edge 34 define the height of the hockey stick blade 10. That is, the lower terminating edge 32 defines the lower-most portion of the hockey stick blade 10, while the upper terminating edge 34 defines the upper-most portion of the hockey stick blade 10. In addition, the upper and lower terminating edges 32, 34 join in the toe 30 of the hockey stick blade 10, delimiting the extent of the forward face 24 from the extent of the rearward face 26. In other embodiments, however, the blade 10 includes one, but not both, of the terminating edges 32, 34. For example, in some embodiments the blade 10 can include a lower terminating edge 32 and a rounded upper periphery, while in other embodiments the blade 10 can include an upper terminating edge 34 and a rounded lower periphery.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the hockey stick blade 10 defines a substantially zero degree face angle Ø. As used herein, the term “face angle” means the relative angle of the forward face 24. More particularly, the face angle means the angle defined between the forward face 24 (when viewed in cross-section) and the vertical component 36 of the central shaft axis 20. The vertical component 36 of the central shaft axis 20 is shown in FIGS. 3-5, corresponding to the component that is normal to the playing surface 120. The horizontal component 38 of the central shaft axis 20, by contrast, corresponds to the component that is parallel to the playing surface 120. For a substantially zero degree face angle, the relevant angle Ø is substantially zero. For example, a substantially zero degree face angle includes a face angle of less than 1.0 degrees, optionally less than 0.75 degrees, further optionally less than 0.5 degrees, and still further optionally zero degrees. A substantially zero degree face angle is shown in FIGS. 3-5, in which the upper terminating edge 34 is in vertical alignment with the lower terminating edge 32, such that the upper terminating edge 34 does not extend forwardly of the lower terminating edge 32, or rearwardly of the lower terminating edge 32.

The substantially zero degree face angle Ø is located at least at one location along the length of the hockey stick blade, and further optionally at a plurality of locations along the length of the hockey stick blade from heel to toe. In some embodiments, the substantially zero degree face angle is located at a point approximately midway between the heel 28 and the toe 30, at a point closer to the heel 28 than to the toe 30, or at a point closer to the toe 30 than to the heel 28.

In other embodiments, the substantially zero degree face angle includes substantially the entire forward face 24 of the hockey stick blade 10. In still other embodiments, the substantially zero degree face angle Ø is defined by the forward face 24 of the hockey stick blade 10 along at least a portion of the blade from heel to toe. For example, the substantially zero degree face angle can be defined in the face from: the heel 28 to at least about one-third of the length of the hockey stick blade 10; the heel 28 to at least about one-half of the length of the hockey stick blade 10; or the heel 28 to at least about two-thirds of the length of the hockey stick blade 10. Also by example, the substantially zero degree face angle can be defined in the face from: the toe 30 to at least about one-third of the length of the hockey stick blade 10 towards the heel 28; the toe 30 to at least about one-half of the length of the hockey stick blade 10 towards the heel 28; or the toe 30 to at least about two-thirds of the length of the hockey stick blade 10 towards the heel 28.

The remaining portions of the forward face 24, for example, those portions not including a substantially zero degree face angle Ø, can include a positive and/or negative non-zero face angle. For example, the toe 30 can include a positive non-zero face angle, such that the forward face 24 includes a smooth transition from a substantially zero degree face angle to a positive face angle in the toe 30. Also by example, the toe 30 can include a negative non-zero face angle, such that the forward face 24 includes a smooth transition from a substantially zero degree face angle to a negative face angle in the toe 30. Other variations can be included in other embodiments where desired.

As shown in FIG. 5, the rearward face 26 of the hockey stick blade 10 includes a lower rounded portion 40, an upper rounded portion 42, and an intermediate portion 44. The lower rounded portion 40 extends substantially along the entire length of the hockey stick blade 10 in the present embodiment, including the heel 28 and the toe 30. The lower rounded portion 40 intersects the lower terminating edge 32 at a first angle α when viewed in cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, the lower rounded portion 40 and the lower terminating edge 32 define an angle α, measured between the forward face 24 and the surface of the lower rounded portion where that portion intersects the forward face at the lower terminating edge, of between about 100 degrees and about 45 degrees inclusive, further optionally between about 90 degrees and about 60 degrees inclusive, and still further optionally about 80 degrees. The upper rounded portion 42 intersects the upper terminating edge 34 at a second angle β when viewed in cross-section, also illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, the upper rounded portion 42 and the upper terminating edge 32 can define an angle β of between about 100 degrees and about 45 degrees inclusive, further optionally between about 90 degrees and about 60 degrees inclusive, and still further optionally about 80 degrees.

The intermediate portion 44 can be generally planar when viewed in cross-section, and can be angled relative to the forward face 26 such that the width of the hockey stick blade 10 is greater near the lower rounded portion 40 than near the upper rounded portion 42. That is, the lower rounded portion 40 is defined by a larger radius than the upper rounded portion 42, achieving a forwardly sloped rearward face 26. The slope can vary from application to application as desired. The slope can decrease as the blade 10 transitions from the heel 28 to the toe 30 in some embodiments, while in other embodiments the slope can increase as the blade 10 transitions from the heel 28 to the toe 30.

In still other embodiments, the intermediate portion 44 is parallel to the forward face 26, such that the lower rounded portion 40 and the upper rounded portion 42 are defined by the same radius. In these and other embodiments, the thickness of the blade 10 can substantially continuously decrease from the heel 28 to the toe 30, and consequently the radius of the rounded lower portion 40 and the radius of the rounded upper portion 42 decrease from the heel 28 to the toe 30.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the forward face 24 and rearward face 26 can have different relationships relative to the central shaft axis and extending from the upper periphery or top of the blade to the lower periphery or bottom of the blade. For example, the forward face 24 can generally remain a consistent distance D2 from the uppermost periphery to the lowermost periphery of the blade, or from top to bottom of the blade. In this manner, the thickness of the blade forward of the central shaft axis can remain the same from top to bottom of the handle. Generally, the rearward face 26, however, can taper from the uppermost periphery to the lowermost periphery of the blade, or from top to bottom of the blade. This is illustrated in the differences between distance D1 of the rearward face from the central shaft axis 20, and the greater distance D3 of the rearward face from the central shaft axis 20. In some cases, the distance D3 can be 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more times as great as the distance D1. Generally, the distance from the central shaft axis 20 from rearward face 26 can consistently increase, forming a tapered shape from top to bottom of the blade, with the bottom being the broadest, or having greatest distance of the rearward face from the central shaft axis. Of course, in other embodiments, the rear face can be convex or concave from top to bottom so that there are multiple tapers in various directions as desired.

The hockey stick blade 10 can include a delimiting lower terminating edge 32 and/or a forward face 24 having a substantially non-zero face angle. The lower terminating 32 is the line at which the forward face 24 abruptly transitions to the rounded lower portion 40 of the rearward face 26. As the blade 10 is placed along the ice 120, or other playing surface, the forward face 24 of the blade 10 is substantially perpendicular to the ice 120. That is, substantially only the lower terminating edge 32 abuts the ice 120 along a substantial portion of the blade length, particularly as the blade 10 impacts the ice 120 short of the puck in a slap shot motion.

While the lower terminating edge 32 and the forward face 24 having a substantially zero degree face angle Ø are depicted as being in the same embodiment, in other embodiments the blade 10 includes only one of these features. For example, the blade 10 can include a lower terminating edge 32 and a non-zero face angle, for example a face angle of greater than +1.5 degrees or less than −1.5 degrees. Also by example, the blade 10 can include a substantially zero degree face angle and a rounded lower periphery. The blade 10 can be formed of wood, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, and/or other materials. The blade 10 can include a variety of internal constructions to improve blade strength, lessen blade weight, and/or improve the overall blade feel. Exemplary internal constructions are set forth in the following patent applications, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent Application Publication 2013/0116070 to Xun et al, entitled “I-Beam Construction in a Hockey Blade Core,” U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0234472 to Garcia et al, entitled “Hockey Stick and Related Method of Manufacture,” U.S. Patent Application Publication 2009/0149283 to Garcia et al, entitled “Split Core Hockey Stick Blade,” and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2007/0281809 to Garcia, entitled “Hockey Stick Blade Having Rib Stiffening System.”

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to packages of any specific orientation(s). Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z. 

1. A hockey stick blade comprising: a forward face extending along a longitudinal length of the hockey stick blade and including a lower terminating edge; and a rearward face opposite the forward face, the rearward face including a lower rounded portion that intersects the forward face at lower terminating edge; wherein the lower terminating edge delimits at least the lowermost extent of the forward face from the rearward face, and wherein the forward face is longitudinally concave and the rearward face is longitudinally convex.
 2. The hockey stick blade of claim 1 wherein the lower terminating edge is the lowermost portion of the hockey stick blade and is shaped to abut a playing surface.
 3. The hockey stick blade of claim 1 wherein the rearward face includes a planar intermediate portion that is angled relative to the forward face.
 4. The hockey stick blade of claim 1 wherein the forward face includes an upper terminating edge in vertical alignment with the lower terminating edge.
 5. The hockey stick blade of claim 4 wherein the upper terminating edge delimits the uppermost extent of the forward face from the rearward face.
 6. The hockey stick blade of claim 4 wherein the upper terminating edge and the lower terminating edge extend along substantially the entire length of the blade.
 7. The hockey stick blade of claim 4 wherein the height of the blade is defined between the upper terminating edge and the lower terminating edge.
 8. A hockey stick comprising: a shaft defining a central shaft axis; and a blade coupled to the shaft and including a longitudinally concave forward face opposite a longitudinally convex rearward face, wherein the forward face includes an upper terminating blade edge in vertical alignment with a lower terminating blade edge, such that the forward face defines a vertical face angle parallel to a vertical component of the central shaft axis, wherein the rearward face includes a rounded lower portion, a rounded upper portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion being angled relative to the vertical face angle such that the blade defines a cross-sectional width that is greater nearer to the lower rounded portion than the upper rounded portion.
 9. The hockey stick of claim 8 wherein the lower terminating edge is the lowermost portion of hockey stick and is shaped to abut a playing surface.
 10. The hockey stick of claim 8 wherein the upper terminating edge and the lower terminating edge extend along substantially the entire length of the blade.
 11. The hockey stick of claim 8 wherein the height of the blade is defined between the upper terminating edge and the lower terminating edge.
 12. The hockey stick of claim 8 wherein the rounded lower portion intersects the lower terminating edge at an acute angle.
 13. The hockey stick of claim 8 wherein the rounded upper portion intersects the upper terminating edge at an acute angle.
 14. The hockey stick of claim 8 wherein the forward face defines the vertical face angle approximately midway between a blade heel portion and a blade toe portion.
 15. The hockey stick of claim 8 wherein the intermediate portion of the rearward face is substantially planar in the vertical direction of the blade.
 16. The hockey stick of claim 8 wherein the rounded upper portion and the rounded lower portion extend along substantially the entire length of the blade.
 17. A hockey stick comprising: an elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower end; and a blade joined to the lower end of the elongated shaft, the blade defining a lengthwise direction and including a forward face opposite a rearward face, wherein the forward face is convex in the lengthwise direction and the rearward face is convex in the lengthwise direction, wherein the forward face includes an upper terminating blade edge in vertical alignment with a lower terminating blade edge, such that the forward face defines a vertical face angle, and wherein the rearward face includes a rounded lower portion, a rounded upper portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion being angled relative to the vertical face angle in the vertical direction of the blade.
 18. The hockey stick of claim 17 wherein the lower terminating edge is the lowermost portion of the hockey stick and is shaped to abut a playing surface.
 19. The hockey stick of claim 17 wherein the rounded lower portion intersects the lower terminating edge at an acute angle.
 20. The hockey stick of claim 17 wherein the rounded upper portion intersects the upper terminating edge at an acute angle. 